Jan. 21 Is Deadline For Public To Comment On TWRA Strategic Plan

Friday, January 3, 2014

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is reminding the public that Jan. 21, 2014 is the deadline to submit comments on its new proposed Strategic Plan. The plan serves as a guiding document for the agency’s mission and objectives.

The new plan, to be unveiled in 2014, is unlike any previous strategic plan implemented by the agency. In decades past, due to the depletion of our wildlife resources throughout the early parts of the 20th century, the agency focused mainly on species restoration and protection. The agency followed the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation that identifies wildlife as a public trust belonging to all the people. The agency has successfully restored many species that were once considered rare or non-existent in the state.

White-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bears and waterfowl are some of the most notable species that have rebounded considerably over the last few decades. The agency has also created and maintained numerous fisheries throughout the state’s waterways.

With the onset of healthier fish and wildlife populations, the agency is shifting gears to focus more directly on maintaining the habitats that support those populations. The agency also recognizes the need for our citizens to have access to those areas to enjoy our abundant wildlife resources. As such, the new plan identifies four core areas in which the agency strives to provide these services while still protecting our natural resources.

As a strategic plan, it is broad in nature providing long-term guidance. After public input and the completion of the final plan, much more detailed operational plans will provide the on-the-ground direction associated with the four functions of the plan.

The four primary functions of TWRA and their associated goals outlined in the plan are:

2.) Outdoor Recreation - to increase opportunities for hunting, fishing and boating and accommodate other outdoor recreation, such as wildlife viewing, that is safe for users and the environment yet consistent with conservation principles.

3.) Law Enforcement - to protect and conserve Tennessee’s fish, wildlife, habitats and public boating opportunities by providing public safety through proactive and responsive law enforcement services.

“Tennessee Uncharted” the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s television program, has been named as the best outdoors television series in the country by the Association for Conservation Information, Inc. (ACI). “Tennessee Uncharted” made its debut in October, 2014. TWRA partners with Knoxville-based Designsensory and production company PopFizz to bring the weekly program to ... (click for more)

David Hanni, recently-appointed Bird Conservation coordinator for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, will present the August Nature at Noontime program. The program will be held on Thursday, Aug. 6, from noon-1 p.m. at the TWRA’s Region II Ray Bell Building located in the Ellington Agriculture Complex. Mr. Hanni joined the TWRA from Colorado where he had served as the ... (click for more)

Michael Futrell, 38, was shot by Corey Mullinax, 25, Saturday night in Cleveland at approximately 9:15 p.m. T he shooting occurred at Forest Grove Apartments at 2350 Blackburn Road SE. According to multiple witness statements, the victim, Mr. Futrell, walked over to the vehicle of Mullinax, where the two were speaking. The suspect then shot the victim in the torso. ... (click for more)

Javier Lansden, 18, was shot early Sunday morning on West 38th Street. At approximately 2:47 a.m., the Chattanooga Police Department responded to 264 Water Street for a person shot. Officers found that the shooting occurred at 263 West 38 th Street. The victim stated he was sitting on his bicycle at 263 West 38 th Street, when a dark-colored ... (click for more)

Chattanooga is my home; I was born here 35 years ago. Without a doubt, this has been one of the most challenging times in our city's history. The #ChattanoogaStrong hashtag will remain for quite some time, but it means so much more than 18 characters on social media. It represents the sorrow and mourning, as well as the resilience and compassion, of our exceptional community. ... (click for more)

UPDATE: A spokesman for the U.S. Navy on Sunday denied reports that disciplinary charges will be filed against Lt. Cmdr. Timothy White for discharging an unauthorized weapon on federal property. According to a post of Facebook and other social media sites, a statement reads, “Stories of Navy personnel being charges with an offense are not true. There is still a long way ... (click for more)